Founded at OU in 2001, Gamma Delta Pi is a sorority for indigenous women. Its goals, according to GDP’s secretary and historian Lillie Keener, are “to carry on the ideals, culture, tradition, and legacy of American Indian women.” With its 120 members hailing from about 20 different tribes, the sisterhood is much smaller than the Panhellenic houses on campus. The sorority hosts an annual “Zumbathon” in the fall and a basketball tournament in the spring as well as a number of other cultural and service events.

Since Native students at OU have a lower graduation rate than white students, Keener says the organization’s small size is advantageous in that it allows its members to “bond with all of our sisters individually” and “provide a supportive family for each sister.” By enabling its members to learn more about the history and culture of various tribes and providing a space for Native women to build lasting friendships, the Alpha chapter of Gamma Delta Pi provides an invaluable service to indigenous women at OU. Connect with them on Facebook here.

Kelsey Morris is a first-year sociology student minoring in medical humanities and social justice. She is involved with OU Debate and various social justice organizations on campus.